The Ebonyi State Government has commenced free medical surgeries for civil servants who are having various health challenges.
The government also commenced enrollment of more civil servants into the Onwa Health Insurance Scheme to ensure efficient service delivery.
During visits to over 500 beneficiaries of the scheme, the Head of Service of the State, Rita Mary Okoro lauded the initiative and described it as milestone achievement for Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.
She urged civil servants to take advantage of the free medical and surgical interventions provided for them and their families.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for both the administration and the civil servants of Ebonyi State. Today’s flag-off marks the beginning of a medical and surgical intervention that includes hernia , fibroid, eye surgeries, among others.
“I urge all civil servants to take advantage of this opportunity for themselves and their families, especially children under 18 years. To whom much is given, much is expected, and I believe civil servants should reciprocate this gesture by being diligent and timely at work,” Okoro said.
The outreach, officially flagged off includes a range of specialised medical interventions such as hernia and fibroid surgeries, eye screenings, and the issuance of eyeglasses.
According to the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Divine Okemefuna Igwe, the total number of cases identified for intervention is 582.
“These cases include hernia surgeries, fibroid surgeries, eye surgeries, the issuance of 225 eyeglasses, eye screenings for 278 individuals, as well as single cases of breast and finger lumps, scrotal screenings, blockage of fallopian tubes, fibroid screenings, and Hepatitis B.
Igwe revealed that surgeries began before the official flag-off date, with some of the operations already completed.
“Before September 30th, we had already started the surgeries, including fibroid, eye, and hernia surgeries. Prior to this time, we had completed 265 surgeries through Her Excellency’s programme.
“By next year, we plan to extend this program to include free access to antenatal care and delivery services,” Igwe stated.
He further revealed that the initiative covers all financial risk protection, adding,.”This initiative provides financial risk protection and ensures high-quality care delivered by renowned consultants. It is a continuation of the governor’s vision to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all civil servants and their families.”
At some of the hospitals visited, beneficiaries such as Agwu Ehia Ugwumgba, who underwent eye surgery, and Okpoto Virginia Amaka, Juliana Abaa, Okike Chioma among others who had fibroid surgery, lauded the initiative and expressed their gratitude for the life-changing care.
